As I previously mentioned, we opted to keep the size of our group to a manageable level.  On other trips, with larger groups, it always seemed as though someone was having some kind of problem at any given time.  I guess you can just write it off to probability!  Somethings you can't control but at least you can do your best to avoid the problems that could have been prevented.
    This post is just to touch base on some of the considerations that had to be worked out prior to our departure. There was no way to make it detailed because as the trip nears quickly there is much to do! We all have been testing the bikes and trying to get them as balanced as possible with the additional weight. It worked out that each of us are at around 100lbs of gear, which is very manageable.



MOTORCYCLES
      One of the reasons we felt good about undertaking such a trip is due to the fact that we all have fairly new bikes.  Tom and I purchased our Harley Ultra Classics in 2009 and Joe just bought his 2010 when the snow was still flying in the windy city.  At the time of this writing, all three bikes are comfortably broken in and fitted to our likings. This we hope prevents any serious mechanical issues.  As an added precaution, Tom and I have put new rubber on ours.  The old tires still have a lot of life left on them and will be remounted sometime in the future.  However for the trip we would like to start under the best possible conditions.


HELMETS
    The legal issue of wearing a helmet is one that has been going back and forth for ages.  Normally the three  of us don't wear one locally seeing that Illinois doesn't require them.  However on a road trip where you're going to travel at highway speeds for large distances, it's the wise thing to do!  Most of the states we will be traveling through are optional when it comes to helmets.  The state of Washington being the exception and  Canada which is quite the opposite, requires a helmet everywhere. 
    There is also the use of our communication headgear, which is integrated within our helmets.  The Harley's are equipped with built in Cb's and it makes travelling so much easier and safer.  They really cut down on the guess work.

RAIN GEAR
    We all bought some new rain gear for this endeavor and it will be our pleasure to critique it for the bikers out there. 

BAGGAGE
    Same as the rain gear, all new different equip. that we will judge along the way.

TOOLS
    Harley makes a nice convenient small tool kit for their bikes but we decided there should be several additions to back it up.  Tom put together a nice supplemental tool kit for different contingencies, just short of having to have the bike towed!  Joe and I will be bringing the other odds and ends i.e.( duct tape, tie wraps, air pump, gauge, etc.)  Don't forget the spare oil, a must have, that you hope you never need in an emergency.  We will point out the important items as we use them along the way.

ELECTRONICS
It seems you just can't get away from it all so easily, lots of tools out there to keep you connected.  We certainly have our share of toys to play with and will try to stay in touch.  Some of the items listed below are for the purpose of this blog and we felt lt was important to share and have some fun with yuz guys.  Hopefully with all these cameras we should be able to send you all a nice sampling of what were experiencing.
    3 Still cameras ( 1-35mm )
    1 Video camera
    2 Netbook computers
    3 Phones (2 smart 1 regular)  Verizon & ATT service
    1 Garmin GPS

    There will be times when we'll be out of touch for one reason or the other.  Please don't worry, we are on vacation and probably at some bar doing research!  "Research on what " you ask?  "Local civilization and customs", we reply.
    Also looking forward to the far out of the way places with no service. Then we can really wind down and feel disconnected.  This will be a great feeling  and just one experience of many during our trek.

MAPS
     Not that we don't trust the GPS, ha ha, like it's never steered you wrong!   We're bringing maps for the whole trip and you know they will come in useful for those occasional  side trips.  These were sectioned off and laminated so they would hold up.  They lay nice and flat  in the tour pack and should come in handy even during  inclement weather.

MISCELLANEOUS
    There are many items, too many to mention, but if they come into play and are of  use, they will get mentioned along the way.  I.E. gel pads, binnoculars, "Anti-monkey butt powder", handlebar mounts, under garment wear, etc.,etc.,etc..

That's all for now.  With just 3 days to go, everyone is very anxious to get started.  Don't be surprised if we leave early.  We are as ready as we know how to get.  Talk to you soon!!!!!!!!!!!!